Preeclampsia in Pregnancy

Preeclampsia, also known as Pregnancy Induced Hypertension or PIH or as toxemia, is a medical condition where hypertension arises in pregnancy, coupled with large amounts of protein in the urine. It can range from mild to severe, and can develop gradually, however, it’s known to suddenly attack after 20 weeks pregnant, and more commonly attacks at 37 weeks pregnant. Unfortunately the only way to cure preeclampsia is to deliver the baby. If you’re baby is too small or has not developed enough, you and your doctor will have to wait until the baby is at that stage before removing him/her from you. If that’s the case, you may be visiting your doctor daily or weekly to ensure everything is fine.

Symptoms of Preeclampsia

If you had normal blood pressure before you got pregnant, there are specific symptoms your health care provider will watch for, such as:

• High blood pressure- also known as hypertension, readings of 140/90 mm Hg or greater
• Proteinuria- protein found in urine
• Headaches- severe headaches, which include migraines
• Changes in vision- blurred vision, double vision, photophobia (sensitivity to light)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Small amounts of urine output
• Sudden weight gain (usually more than 2 pounds per week)
• Upper abdominal pain (usually under the ribs on the right side)
• Swelling (usually accompanies preeclampsia, swelling mainly in hands and face)

Causes of Preeclampsia

Unfortunately there is no known cause for preeclampsia. It used to be known as toxemia because experts believed that preeclampsia was caused by a toxin in a pregnant woman’s bloodstream. That theory has since been dismissed, however, many of today’s experts believe it’s caused by things such as:

• Poor diet
• Problems with the immune system
• Damage to blood vessels
• Insufficient blood flow to the uterus

Your Chance of Developing Preeclampsia

It’s important to remember that preeclampsia only develops during pregnancy. Depending on several factors, the chance of you developing preeclampsia while you’re pregnant includes things about you such as:

• History of preeclampsia- This relates to all female relatives too
• First time pregnant
• Age- The risks increase if you are a teenager or over the age of 40
• Obese
• Multiple fetuses
• Long period of time between pregnancies
• Gestational diabetes
• History of medical conditions- This involves conditions you had before you got pregnant, including chronic high blood pressure, headaches, diabetes, kidney disease, etc.

Risks of Preeclampsia

It’s important to remember that most women with preeclampsia deliver healthy babies. Unfortunately, if you’re suffering from severe preeclampsia or if you developed it early in your pregnancy, you could be required to induce labor and deliver your baby prematurely. Other risks for developing preeclampsia include:

• Loss of blood flow to the placenta
• Placental abruption- when the placenta detaches from the inner wall of the uterus
• HELLP Syndrome- stands for hemolysis elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count, it can become life-threatening very quickly for mom and baby
• Eclampsia- known as preeclampsia plus seizures. Develops if preeclampsia can not be controlled
• Cardiovascular disease

Preeclampsia Treatment

Unfortunately, the only cure for preeclampsia is delivery of your baby. If you are near the end of your pregnancy, your doctor may encourage you to begin inducing labor immediately. If you are not near the end of your pregnancy, your doctor will want to monitor you very closely until your baby reaches a safe gestational age and your cervix becomes ready. You will more than likely give birth via c-section if you are suffering from preeclampsia.

Your doctor may give you medications to help control the preeclampsia while you’re pregnant. These medications include:

• Antihypertensives- lowers blood pressure until delivery
• Corticosteroids- improves liver and platelet functioning
• Anticonvulsive medications- prevents seizures

Your doctor may also recommend that you limit your activities and try to remain on bed rest to reduce high blood pressure and increase blood flow to your placenta. Your baby will be able to mature and develop more by following these guidelines.